1994 J/105 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 J/105 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Cal |
| Year | 1994–2008 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.97 m (29.4 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 J/105 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1979 Cal 39 is 1.37m longer than the 1994 J/105. The 1979 Cal 39 displaces approximately 112% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1994 J/105 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1979 Cal 39 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1994 J/105 · 1979 Cal 39